My Cousin Rachel
Daphne du Maurier
narrated by Jonathan Pryce
first published 1951
11 hours, 55 minutes
Oh Philip. Philip, Philip, Philip. WHAT are we going to do with you, boy? You are, by turns, sweet, annoying, naive, and a total pain in the ass. Wait, that’s not quite true. You just need to get you head OUT of your ass.
While I couldn’t resist picking on poor Philip, I refuse to talk about the actual plot of this novel because I don’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t read it (unlike Little Women, which I will spoil the HELL out of later this month) because if you haven’t read this (or better yet, listened to it), you must. Right now. I insist.
And when you do read or listen to it, pay particular attention to both the beginning and end of the book. I am convinced that du Maurier had a particular genius for beginnings and endings. Of course, I’ve only read two of her books (this one and Rebecca) but I’m a total fan girl and have plans for Jamaica Inn sometime soonish.
Just to further prove my lack of culture and coolness, I still have not read a single one of her books. I know–I am so pathetic, aren’t I? More so because she is my absolute favorite short story writer in all the world. Yeah, go figure. *sags head in shame*
Oh! Oh! Oh! I can’t imagine loving anything more than Rebecca, but this one would be right up there next in line. What I love about her books (the two I have read like you) is that she is sneaky, this Daphne. She just leaves crumbs, and assumes that her readers are going to figure it out, if not on the first read, then maybe the second or third. Love her. Now I read this in print, so you have given me an idea…
I consider myself a DuMaurier fan as well and I have only read one of her books. Clearly I should rectify this.
This is on my classics club list – can’t wait to read it! Or maybe I should listen?
I loved this one. She was quiet a piece of work in it.
I’ve never tried du Maurier’s work but she’s on my list of authors I want to try.
I felt kind of meh about this one, although I’m a pretty big Du Maurier fangirl, myself. I loved Rebecca, Jamaica Inn and Frenchman’s Creek and was nicely creeped out by some of her short stories. I actually *hated* one of her books so much that I can never remember the title, though. Wait, there’s another one I liked . . . the one about someone taking a drug that allows him to time travel in his mind while his body is moving in the present — not a good idea, actually. You can get killed all over the place by walking over hills and dales that have since been cut into by nice little motorways. Can’t remember the title of that one, either. It’s official. My memory is going.
Argh. I read this one so long ago I barely remember what it’s about. Maybe an audio reread is in order.
Oh yes, Phillip is so, so dumb in this. I just wanted to smack him for being so naive. I’ve only read it, but I’ve heard the audio is fantastic. If I read it again, I’ll definitely go the audio route.
Yes, yes, yes! I LOVED this book as well! I had to go back to the beginning of the book and reread both the beginning and the end. And I was still left with questions which left me even more pleased
I adored this book even more than Rebecca. I’m definitely planning on reading more by her at some point this year! I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it as well!
So very glad you enjoyed this!! I fell in love with the audio and Daphne du Maurier is just a twisted gal. Loved it!
Damn, I don’t have this one yet but I do love Rebecca and if this give me the same punch, it’s coming home with me soon.